The Promovate team has put together a simple infographic to help our customers better understand different types of branding and which one to choose!

Branding Type	Product Items
Pad Printing	Water Bottles Pens USB Boxes	Inexpensive Quick turn-around time Can brand round surfaces Can Brand Uneven Surfaces	Maximum 4 colours No shading Can't print on texture Can't print on large surfaces
Screen Printing	T-Shirts Drawstring Bags Umbrellas Notebooks	Quick turn-around time Good for fine detail - small wording	Maximum 6 colours 8 colours availble in certain circumstances
Laser Engraving ( CO2 / VAG )	Any metal surface Flasks Keyrings Knives	Precise Permanent Upmarket elegant finish	Branding area usually small Can't brand on fabric and plastics
Embroidery	Clothing Caps Towels Sports Bags	Upmarket elegant finish Most threads can be matched according to specifications	Fine detail is not legible Limited spacing available
Sublimation Printing	Mugs Lanyards T-shirts Umbrellas	Can print on texture Can print on large surfaces	Can't print the colour white Can't print on plastic
Digital Transfer Printing	Mouspads Mugs Keyrings Mirrors	Can print on texture Can print on large surfaces	Can't print the colour white Can't print on plastic
Heat Transfer	Clothing Jackets Caps Drawstring Bags	Can print on texture Can print on large surfaces	A flat printing surface is needed Can't print on plastic/nylon
Vinyl Stickers	Bottle Opener Torch Notepads Pen holders	Inexpensive for multi-colour and complex jobs	Can't print the colour white/metallic colours Can't be applied to any fabrics
Dome Stickers	Desk fridge Water Bottles Cooler Bags Keyrings	Quick turn around time	Branding needs to be applied to flat surface Background can't be clear
Debossing	Leather Keyrings Folders Binders Notebooks	No discolouration Creates a permanent stamped impression Looks very professional	Limited range of products Long turn-around time
Embossing	Leather Keyrings Folders Binders Notebooks	No discolouration Creates a permanent stamped impression Looks very professional	Limited range of products Long turn-around time
Hot Foil Stamping	Mousepads Folders Notebooks	No discolouration Creates subtle branding look and feel	Can only be done in 1 colour A flat printing surface is needed